Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies

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These Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are a delightful blend of elegance and comfort. With their crackly powdered sugar tops and rich espresso-cocoa flavor, they bring the best of Italy’s beloved dessert into cookie form. Each bite offers a soft, chewy center bursting with mascarpone creaminess, while the outside carries a satisfying crisp from its sugar-dusted crust.

Perfect for cozy gatherings or when you want to impress without stress, these cookies channel the layered magic of tiramisu into something you can hold in your hand. Whether you serve them with coffee or gift them for the holidays, they never fail to spark joy and curiosity.

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What Kind of Cocoa and Coffee Should I Use?

For the most flavor-packed results, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and instant espresso or finely ground dark roast coffee. These two ingredients bring the signature depth and bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cookie.

You can also experiment by adding a splash of coffee liqueur to the dough for an adult twist. Just reduce any added liquid to keep the texture in check.

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Ingredients for the Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies

Espresso Powder – Brings out that bold, bittersweet tiramisu flavor. You can use instant espresso or finely ground coffee.

Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa gives the cookies their deep chocolate base and balances the sugar.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookie, keeping it soft but chewy.

Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and crackle in the oven.

Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Butter – Adds richness and helps with a soft texture.

Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a slight caramel undertone.

Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the crinkle effect.

Eggs – Bind everything together and help lift the dough.

Mascarpone Cheese – The signature creamy heart of tiramisu, adding moisture and a slight tang.

Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm finish.

Powdered Sugar – For rolling before baking to get that classic snowy crinkle top.

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How To Make the Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then fold in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly mixed to prevent clumping.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky — that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. This helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to scoop and roll.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Once chilled, scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Coat each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar to ensure a bright crinkle pattern after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Dust and Serve

Once cooled, you can optionally dust them with a touch more espresso powder or cocoa. Serve with a cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa for the full tiramisu-inspired experience.

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How to Serve and Store These Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature when the mascarpone center is soft and rich. Pair them with a bold espresso or a creamy latte to echo the flavors inside. They also make lovely gifts when stacked in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or arranged on a holiday cookie tray.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?

Yes, cream cheese can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly tangier. For the closest taste, blend cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Absolutely. Chilling is essential to prevent spreading and to ensure those signature crinkles form properly.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baking right away?

Yes! Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, just add 1-2 extra minutes.

Why didn’t my cookies crackle?

The powdered sugar coating must be generous, and the dough needs to be cold. If the dough warms too much before baking, it won’t crack as beautifully.

Can I make them gluten-free?

You can try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just note the texture may vary slightly.

How do I enhance the tiramisu flavor?

Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the dough, or dust the baked cookies with a mix of cocoa powder and espresso powder for an extra kick.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies made your heart skip a beat, you’ll love exploring these unique takes on traditional treats:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies that blend creamy tang with golden sweetness.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups when you want a fruity contrast.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies for a warm, cozy depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Instant Pudding Cookies that give you soft, chewy bliss in every bite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you give these a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you go bold with extra espresso or add your own twist like chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon?

Tag me in your baking photos or drop a comment below. Let’s swap notes and make baking even more fun.

Looking for even more creative cookie and dessert ideas? Head to my Pinterest board at Life with Jam on Pinterest and explore my daily recipes!

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